It has been just over 6 months that we took our business public and I cannot believe where we are in such a short time. Most businesses take at least a year to really take off and get out of the red so to speak, and that's if they're one of the lucky ones. But, we have done even better than that in just 6 months! Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I look at how far we've come in such a short time.

I started this business after being laid off from a position I truly enjoyed, due to the economy and downsizing of the company I was working for. I have always had a crazy (some might call obsessive) passion for candles. My sister-in-law had a candle shop out on the West Coast, and after she sent me her hand poured soy candles, I was in love with soy, how cleanly they burned and I found the scent throw to be incredible. She taught me why there is simply no better candle to burn than soy and how to achieve making the best soy candle out there. So, I threw away the dozens of paraffin candles I had in my home and tried my hand at making these candles to enjoy for myself.

During the time I was laid off and searching for a job and becoming frustrated at not being able to find a decent paying position due to the awful turn our economy took, my husband suggested I start a business of my own. After countless hours of research to learn everything and anything I could learn about the candle business and many mentoring talks with my candle genius sister-in-law, I went for it.

Now for the announcement....just a little over six months in and having been so successful this quickly..... We find ourselves in need of help and will be hiring our first employee! I honestly didn't see this happening for quite some time, but it is happening NOW! Crazy, I know right?! This business is my full time gig so I have plenty of time to devote to it. Having to bring someone in already, just goes beyond what I thought would happen at this point. The young lady we have decided on will be handling our sales and having seen her in action already, I know she is going to have Shore Makes Scents products in countless shops, wineries, salons, spas, B&B's and the list goes on. We decided to hire someone because at this point, I simply can't handle everything by myself. Right now, I handle all aspects of the biz like maintain the website, pour candles, make scrubs, order supplies, package product, ship product, handle finances, marketing, sales, and on and on. Now, to be able to hand over the sales to someone who I am very confident in, is a true blessing. If she does as well as I think she will, we may need to hire even more people. Haha! I always thought I'd be a one man band, so to speak, but Shore Makes Scents is about to blow up huge in a way I hadn't even envisioned.

I am beyond thankful for you, my loyal customers, the support of my family and friends and also a special mention of my nephew who has a brilliant business mind and has assisted me with the financial and marketing aspect of it all. Without all of these people, this business would not be where it is. I simply don't have words to express my gratitude to all of you who helped me achieve a dream of being an entrepreneur and being able to live my life on my own terms. I will say to anyone that has a dream that maybe think they can't make it come true, or maybe you are afraid to take the leap.... Take that leap! Believe in yourself! Believe that you can, and you WILL!